Contact Allergy

What is contact allergy?

Contact allergy, or contact dermatitis, is a type of eczema in which a rash is caused by something that comes into direct contact with the skin. Some rashes happen immediately but most will take time to appear. The rash is not contagious or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable.

What are the causes?

Contact allergy, like other allergies, can develop at any age. Allergic skin reactions and rashes can be caused by:

Nickel

Jewelry

Skin care products

Hair care products

Once you develop a contact allergy, you will likely have it forever. Identifying triggers for contact dermatitis can be done with patch testing, a painless test that can be done in our office in Pinellas Park. At Skin Wellness Center, we can evaluate which testing method is appropriate for you. Some people are highly allergic to nickel and get a rash from even brief contact with nickel-containing metals, while others break out only after a long period of skin contact with nickel. Most jewelry contains nickel; there’s less nickel in 14 or 18 karat gold jewelry than in costume jewelry. As a result, many people are able to wear high quality gold jewelry but break out when they wear costume jewelry. People who are allergic to nickel can touch stainless steel without trouble—unless it’s nickel plated. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about contact with stainless steel instruments, tools, sinks, cutlery, or cooking utensils.

How is contact allergy treated?

Rashes from contact allergy usually clear up once the contact exposure is stopped and a cortisone medicine is applied to the rash. Preventing contact rashes means avoiding skin contact with the material that causes your rash. Our providers can help you identify possible triggers and develop strategies to avoid them.

Request treatments in Pinellas Park, Florida

If you suffer from contact allergy, request an appointment online or call (727) 545-3376 to discuss steps for identifying triggers and preventing rashes. We can also provide you with the appropriate prescription medicine to treat your rash. Contact dermatitis can be very frustrating to live with, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. The experts at Skin Wellness Center can help you effectively manage it.